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Building Controls Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

About Us Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce ...

HVAC Territory/Domain AE

Lexington, KY · On-site

$83K - $130K/yr

About Us Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce ...

About Us Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce ...

This role serves as a trusted advisor to consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, controls contractors, and building owners by delivering technical expertise, responsive service, and value-added ...

This role serves as a trusted advisor to consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, controls contractors, and building owners by delivering technical expertise, responsive service, and value-added ...

This role serves as a trusted advisor to consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, controls contractors, and building owners by delivering technical expertise, responsive service, and value-added ...

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Showing results 1-20

Building Controls information

See Kentucky salary details

$16

$29

$42

How much do building controls jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for building controls in Kentucky is $29.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.05 and $32.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are building controls?

Building controls are systems and devices used to manage, monitor, and automate a building’s environment and operations, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security. These controls help improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and operational performance by allowing centralized or automated adjustments based on real-time data. Modern building controls often integrate with smart technologies and can be accessed remotely. They play a crucial role in reducing energy costs and maintaining optimal building conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Building Controls Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Controls Specialist, you need a strong background in HVAC systems, electrical engineering, and building automation, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and software such as Tridium Niagara or Siemens Desigo is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with facility teams and troubleshooting systems. These skills ensure energy-efficient, safe, and reliable building operations that meet occupant and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Building Controls vs HVAC Technician?

AspectBuilding ControlsHVAC Technician
CredentialsCertifications in controls systems, HVAC, or electrical workHVAC certification, EPA license, technical training
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial buildings, control system installationsResidential, commercial buildings, HVAC system maintenance
Industry UsageDesign, install, and troubleshoot building automation systemsInstall, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

Building Controls and HVAC Technicians often work together but focus on different aspects of building systems. Building Controls specialists primarily handle automation and control systems, while HVAC Technicians focus on heating and cooling systems. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital in building maintenance and energy efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Building Controls, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Building Controls often encounter challenges such as integrating new systems with existing infrastructure, troubleshooting complex automation issues, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology standards. Effective communication with facility managers and other trades is essential to ensure smooth system operation and timely resolution of issues. Staying current with training and certifications, as well as developing strong problem-solving skills, can help address these challenges and lead to greater success in the role.
What job categories do people searching Building Controls jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Building Controls jobs in Kentucky are:
Infographic showing various Building Controls job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,372 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Electrical Controls Engineer III

Electrical Controls Engineer III

HarbisonWalker International

South Shore, KY

$65K - $87K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


HarbisonWalker International rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Engineering Team as an Electrical Controls Engineer III. 

Summary: 

The Electrical Controls Engineer III maintains and updates control systems; manages all plant electrical/electronic maintenance and provides short- and long-term electrical solutions to reduce costs, improve uptime, safety and quality resulting in enhanced customer service support and increased profitability. This role will be supporting multiple manufacturing facilities and will interface with HarbisonWalker Internationals Engineering department on a regular basis.   

Responsibilities: 
  • Applying Electrical/Electronic engineering techniques to assist in the improvement of manufacturing process and products in coordination and in support of HarbisonWalker Internationals Lean and HBS (HarbisonWalker Business System) efforts; improve efficiency, minimize inconsistencies, avoid waste and reduce downtime to drive improvements in OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency) while supporting the overall Maintenance Excellence Program 
  • Leading, facilitating, executing, and managing electrical projects (process and capital) to reduce costs and improve the customer experience by implementing electrical engineering best practices incorporating Lean/Six Sigma tools and methodologies; conducting periodic reviews to ensure that the projects achieve the desired results stated in the justification
  • Working with the Operations and Maintenance departments to develop best practices and standard work to solve manufacturing problems, initiate electrical downtime reduction plans, to improvements and drive maintenance excellence initiatives, and identify future opportunities for the overall continual improvement of the plant
  • Assist in the development of the electrical staff; mentoring and improving the overall electrical team to gain strengths in troubleshooting and root cause analysis of electrical issues and systems to drive continuous improvement
  • Assembling reports to document process status and changes

Requirements: 
  • Requires B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field 
  • Requires excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including presentation planning and delivery skills; ability to communicate across all levels of the organization
  • Requires computer operation skills including, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel and PowerPoint expertise and Auto Cad engineering software
  • Requires experience using lean and continuous improvement methodology
  • Requires strong strategic thinking and business problem solving skills
  • Requires strong collaboration, interpersonal, communications and leadership skills and a demonstrated track record of making improvements that benefit the organizational results and customer
  • Requires relationship building and change management skills
  • Requires knowledge of ISO 9001 and similar achievement standards
  • Requires ability to lead change initiatives and drive process excellence
  • Requires ability to make a significant change in a variety of environments, with multiple learning experiences
  • Requires experience with data analysis, operations management and business intelligence tools
  • Requires coaching skills with front line employees and supervisors/managers
  • Requires ability to troubleshoot PLC Ladder Logic
  • Requires the ability to understand electrical schematics and engineering concepts
  • Requires the ability to write/program multiple PLC platforms (Allen Bradley, 500, 5000 platform, Ignition, Siemens, GE, Etc.)
  • Requires the ability to write/program/troubleshoot multiple HMI platforms
  • Requires the ability to understand none integrated PLC electrical controls
  • Requires the ability to understand and troubleshoot Relay Logic/Motor Control Circuits
  • Requires the ability to understand and troubleshoot Multiple VFD Platforms
  • Requires the general understanding of pneumatic/hydraulic schematics and controls
  • Requires motivation and ingenuity 

Physical and Environmental Requirements
  • Physical Activity:  Requires of time sitting and/or speaking/hearing.  Requires of time standing, walking, using hands and fingers, reaching.
  • Lifting:  Requires lifting to 50 pounds less than 1/3 of time.
  • Vision:  Requires accurate close and distance vision.
  • Environment:  Requires of time in an office setting.  Requires less than of time working near moving mechanical parts, exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, and/or vibration.
  • Noise:  Requires working in office and manufacturing operating conditions.